doors wont lock? need help

[Jtstein98]

hi guys, new member here. just picked up a 2001 explorer xlt and like all "new" cars it needs a little work. the first thing i want to get taken care of is the doors wont lock. if i click the button 2 times on the key fob it honks like it locks but it doesnt? also if i push the lock button inside the car it does nothing but push the unlock button and you can hear it trying to unlock. any ideas on what this could be??


thanks, Jakob

 

[PAExplorerXLT]

Mine wasn’t working and the mechanic replaced the actuator on one door and did something with linkages on another. Either way you have to take apart the door panel and look.

 

[nardbuster]

Yes, I removed the door panels. Aerosol lubricant, linkage adjustments (by unclipping the attach points and reclipping ) rather simple. But, takes time.

 

[bobflood]

If you get a "honk" then the "remote" part is working. Do any of the doors or the tailgate lock or unlock with either the remote or the door/tailgate switches? It can help to localize the problem if you can provide specifics as to which locks and switches do or don't work.

Three common problem areas:
- There is a splice point under the driver's side passenger door sill that corrodes and cause problems with the locks. Lock wiring is pink/yellow; unlock wiring is pink/light green.
- Broken wires in the wiring boot between the driver's door and the body - same colors.
- Actuators/lock linkages in the doors needing lubrication.

Good luck.

 

[Jtstein98]

To clarify none of the doors lock. Thanks for the help I will pull the door panels off later and take a look.